SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[Third Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 5517

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 15, 2025

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5517 (3R).

      As reported, this bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (board), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to study, prepare, and submit, to the Governor and the Legislature, within 18 months of the effective date of this bill, a written report concerning the feasibility of developing advanced reactors throughout the State and the feasibility of, need for, and design of a program in the State for developing small modular or advanced reactors.

      In conducting the study, the board is directed to: (1) determine suitable locations for deploying advanced reactors, including former industrial sites and retired fossil fuel generation facilities; (2) consult the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for regulatory and permitting requirements; (3) examine the economic viability and potential cost-saving mechanisms available for advanced reactors, including any federal programs, private investments, and State funding opportunities; (4) consider safety precautions and environmental impacts, including, but not limited to, compliance with applicable laws and regulators, emergency preparedness and response, biohazard waste management, cyber security, and water usage; (5) evaluate the ability to integrate advanced reactors with existing energy infrastructure and associated cost recovery mechanisms to pay for upgrades or other non-wire alternatives; (6) conduct a minimum of three public stakeholder sessions in order to assess public perception, environmental impact, and stakeholder value in Statewide development of advanced reactors; (7) provide a recommendation on the feasibility of, need for, and design of a program in the State for deploying advanced reactors Statewide; and (8) publish its findings on the board’s Internet website.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 5517 (3R) is identical to Senate Bill No. 4689 (1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) concludes that this bill will result in an indeterminate annual State expenditure increase in FY2026 and FY2027 for the Board of Public Utilities to conduct a study and issue a written report concerning the feasibility of developing advanced reactors.

      Additional administrative costs may be incurred by the board to conduct the three public stakeholder sessions required under the bill. These cost increases are also indeterminate.  However, the OLS anticipates that the increased expenditures may be absorbed within existing resources.